The essential goal of the RN is to provide information and resources to assist the patient and family with chronic illnesses or disabilities so they can manage their own care over the course of the illness or disability.
Compare and contrast the terms “disability” and “chronic illness”. What are the similarities and/or differences? Can they coexist? Give reasoning behind your evaluation.
Discuss two (2) legal and/or ethical challenges or implications for patients and families with disabilities or with chronic illnesses, trying to achieve comprehensive self-management. Identify and state two (2) actions the RN can implement to help the patient and family achieve comprehensive self-management with a disability or with a chronic illness. Base your initial post on your readings and research of this topic. Your initial post must contain a minimum of 250 words. References, citations, and repeating the question do not count towards the 250 word minimum.
Lubkin’s Chronic Illness Impact and Intervention by Pamela Larsen (Chapter 14, Self-Management) may be of assistance with this topic. Click on link to access. LeBlanc, R., & Jacelon, C. (2016). Self-management. In P. Larsen (Ed.), Lubkin's chronic illness: Impact and intervention (9th ed.). Retrieved from ovidsp.tx.ovid.com
Paper For Above instruction
The roles of registered nurses (RNs) are pivotal in supporting patients with chronic illnesses and disabilities, particularly in their journey toward self-management. Central to this support is understanding the nuanced distinctions and overlaps between “disability” and “chronic illness,” as well as addressing the accompanying ethical and legal challenges. This comprehensive understanding enables nurses to implement effective interventions, ultimately empowering patients to lead more autonomous and healthier lives.
In defining the terms, a “disability” is typically characterized as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990). Disabilities can be congenital or acquired and may be temporary or permanent. Conversely, a “chronic illness” refers to a long-term health condition that may not necessarily cause significant impairment but requires ongoing management, such as diabetes, hypertension, or rheumatoid arthritis (LeBlanc & Jacelon, 2016). While
disabilities often entail functional limitations, chronic illnesses can be present without apparent impairments, although they may interfere with daily functioning if poorly managed. Despite these differences, disabilities and chronic illnesses can coexist; a person with a chronic illness may develop functional limitations, thus becoming disabled, illustrating their potential overlap (Lubkin & Larsen, 2017).
The similarities between these concepts lie in their persistent nature and requirement for continuous management. Both demand ongoing medical care, lifestyle adjustments, and support systems. Their differences stem from the scope of impairment—disabilities often entail more immediate and visible limitations, whereas chronic illnesses might be asymptomatic or manageable through medication and lifestyle changes (American Public Health Association, 2014).
Ethically and legally, patients with disabilities or chronic illnesses face challenges, including ensuring equitable access to healthcare and maintaining autonomy. A primary legal challenge is the right to non-discrimination, as enshrined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), which mandates accessible healthcare facilities and services. Ethically, respecting patient autonomy becomes complex when individuals’ decision-making capacity is impaired by their condition, demanding sensitive communication and shared decision-making (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019).
Two actions RNs can undertake to facilitate comprehensive self-management include: firstly, providing tailored education that addresses the individual’s specific needs and abilities, and secondly, advocating for accessible healthcare and community resources tailored to their condition. For example, nurses can coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to develop personalized care plans and ensure patients have access to assistive devices or home modifications, reinforcing independence and safety (Larsen, 2018).
In conclusion, understanding the intersection of disability and chronic illness, alongside the legal and ethical frameworks, enables RNs to effectively support patients’ self-management. By fostering autonomy, providing education, and advocating for accessible care, nurses play an instrumental role in improving health outcomes and enhancing quality of life for these populations.
References
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Pub. L. No. 101-336, 104 Stat. 327 (1990).
Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University
LeBlanc, R., & Jacelon, C. (2016). Self-management. In P. Larsen (Ed.), Lubkin's chronic illness: Impact and intervention (9th ed.).
Larsen, P. (2018). Self-Management. In Lubkin's chronic illness: Impact and intervention (9th ed.).
Lubkin, M., & Larsen, P. (2017). Chronic illness: Impact and intervention. Elsevier Health Sciences. American Public Health Association. (2014). Chronic disease prevention and health promotion. APHA.